METAAL | THE FILM

A RETROSPECTIVE ON THE GLORY DAYS OF DUTCH EXTREME METAL

Mike Redman and Jason Köhnen, both musicians, grew up in the mid 80s in the middle of that explosion of creativity that was the Dutch (extreme) metal scene. The metal scene was one of the most extreme youth and music cultures of the 20th century yet has, to this day, largely been overlooked by the mainstream media. Despite it’s marginal status in The Netherlands,  the global metal phenomenon became very popular and kids all over the country were channeling their ideas and aggression through an explosive (healthy) diet of horror and distortion. The net result was a period of extraordinary creativity and amazing musicianship which birthed a vibrant music scene, one which would grow into a movement which to this day is still revered around the world.

Although the Dutch Metal bands never received the same accolades as their British, American, Scandinavian, or German contemporaries, with hindsight it’s sound, characterised by a push for individuality,  proved to be both unique and influential. The music became an important part of Dutch youth culture between the late 80s and mid 90s but, with the exception of a few local TV items, it has never really been fully documented, let alone treated with the respect it deserves. Mike and Jason’s goal, therefore, is to put together a compelling and revealing documentary that touches on many of the individuals who contributed to this vibrant and game-changing scene. We will be rifling through fanzines, diving into the tape-trading scene, and exploring the music, while also covering the gigs and art and celebrating both the iconic bands and unsung heroes who reared their ugly heads in those explosive times.

METAAL is a retrospective on the glory days of Dutch (extreme) Metal. It will be an insightful and entertaining memoire of a period when Dutch metal gave birth to a legion of amazing bands who, together, formed an explosive scene which on the one hand become globally influential, while on the other not always receiving the acknowledgement that it deserved.

EXTREME METAL FROM THE NETHERWORLDS

A word from the makers: 

METAAL is an independent project, financed by ourselves. Because we want to ensure a high quality production, we’ve started a crowdfunding campaign to raise some funds to achieve this. We’re very passionate about this subject as it’s been such a huge part of both of our lives, and we know that there are many likeminded people that we would like to involve in the mammoth task of documenting and preserving this unique movement, for ourselves and for future generations. Therefore we are asking you for your help… and your help is essential!  Your contribution, no matter how small, would make a huge difference towards realising this project and will be very much appreciated.

'CONSUMING IMPULSE!’

METAAL will be a full length documentary film consisting of exclusive new interviews with 40+ Dutch Metal bands, journalists, radio DJs, record label owners, fans and a host of other key players who were there during those exciting times. It will be flooded with never before seen live footage, newly discovered interviews, snippets of vintage TV items, videos and newly shot footage. Extra graphic contributions to the film will be made by amazing visual artists, Mark Riddick and Christophe Szpajdel. METAAL will eventually be produced in both physical and digital media. By the way, did you know that ‘Metaal’ is the literal Dutch translation of Metal?

METAAL will consist of interviews with 40+ Dutch Death Metal bands, journalists, radio djs, label bosses and fans of the scene. Never seen before live footage, old interviews, tv and videoclips and a host of other key players who were part of that era ; journalists, tv personalities, designers, promoters and fans. The goal is to present METAAL in Blu-Ray form with a limited edition hard cover book as well as digital.

No dvd's at this point.

We'll also be offering some great perks with our METAAL logos and designs, get your name in the end credits or be immortalized with an interview in the film!  

'MINDLOSS!'

Being metal fans who have reached an older age, we all look back on this time as an amazing, intense part of growing up. Brutally creative and morbidly exciting, these youths seized the energy of life to channel their ideas and/or aggression, creatively, influencing the generations that would come after them. The Dutch scene was unique with a multitude of great bands, some better known than others, but all with their own individual sound. We think it’s of great importance to share this history with the world and hopefully inspire newly emerging artists and creatives by showing them a time which has been such a great source of inspiration yet has, for the most part, been underexposed. Having said that, some of those pioneering Dutch bands still exist and they are  raging as hard as they ever did!

‘ALWAYS!'

We will stick to this project, whatever the cost, and this retrospective will be made! We are committed to documenting this great period of Dutch music and culture. Obviously all funding will help us reach our goals more quickly and ensure a better production value.

'CROSS THE STYX!’

We will greatly appreciate any donations to our project, but if you are unable to support us financially then please make some noise about our project and help spread the word!  Sharing our campaign, teaser video or website on social media, would be very helpful and highly appreciated! 

‘THE RACK!’

Making a documentary film sometimes feels like torture but as we know, it’s no pain no gain. There are more ways that you can help:

    •    If you possess archival material, like video footage or images, that we could use then that would be great. We can even digitise your old videotapes in case you threw out your old players.

    •    If you are or were in a Dutch (extreme) metal band active between 1985 and 1995 with a few official releases to your name, or have some mind blowing anecdotes, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

    •    If you are an international (extreme) metal artist of stature and would like to share your views on or experiences of performing in the Dutch Metal scene between 1985 and 1995, then please contact us.

    •    If you have any other ideas that could contribute to telling the Dutch (extreme) metal story, please drop us a line. This is the time to help preserve an important part of music history!

Funding goes towards : 

Equipment rental  | Travel costs  |  Graphic design  |  Post-production

Editing  |  Licensing  |  Subtitles  |  Archiving  |  Authoring  |  Promotion  |  Distribution

About the makers:

Mike Redman is an award winning documentary filmmaker, multidisciplinary artist and internationally renowned music producer residing in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Jason Köhnen is a multi-disciplinary artist, former singer of the Dutch metal band Bluuurgh… and drummer of the doom outfit Celestial Season.